SPELLBINDING . . . LUXURIOUSLY LUSCIOUS . . . There is the promise of more chills to come. -USA Today [Merrick's] greatest strength is Rice's skill at constructing a believably eerie New Orleans overrun by the charismatic undead and those who wish to join them. . . . Its closing pages prime the stage for the continuing adventures of the beguiling Merrick and her new fanged pals. They will all be back, of course, and Merrick leaves you looking forward to their return. -The Boston Globe RICE AT HER CHILLING BEST. -The Seattle Times RICE'S PACE HAS RARELY BEEN BETTER. . . . For those already enthralled by Ms. Rice's witches and vampires, Merrick will strengthen the spell. And for those who haven't been . . . well, sucked in yet, Merrick proves a worthy initiation. -The Dallas Morning News